Big changes are coming to how the Pentagon buys, builds, and deploys software. On this episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, Pentagon Chief Software Officer Rob Vietmeyer explains why paper-based risk assessments and slow approval cycles no longer work in an era of software-defined warfare. Drawing on real-world exercises with Five Eyes and NATO partners, Vietmeyer describes how zero trust, software-defined networking, and CI/CD pipelines enable rapid, secure collaboration across dynamic missions. He also discusses cultural change, automated cyber risk management, acquisition reform, and why speed, resilience, and trust in software pipelines are now mission-critical.

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This episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose takes you inside GSA’s sweeping push to modernize acquisition and accelerate responsible AI adoption. From the FAR overhaul to new buying guides and culture change for contracting officers, Deputy FAS Commissioner Laura Stanton explains what agencies will need to succeed. CIO David Shive and Chief AI Officer Zach Whitman reveal how GSAi—and its shareable counterpart, USAi—go beyond a chatbot to capture deep observability and telemetry, helping agencies understand real usage, compare model performance, and negotiate from data instead of hype. You’ll also hear how GSA is pairing shared services with OneGov deals to expand options for agencies testing frontier AI at unprecedented prices. 

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The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

Phase two of the historic FAR overhaul is officially underway, and GSA has a message for industry: engage now or risk falling behind. On this episode of Fed Gov Today, Senior Procurement Executive Jeff Koses joins Francis Rose to explain how GSA rewrote the FAR in record time—and why changing the rules isn’t enough without changing culture. Koses breaks down what phase one accomplished, from massive word reductions to new strategic acquisition guidance, and outlines what’s coming next as deviations move into formal rulemaking. He emphasizes the need for continuous feedback, practitioner-driven guidance, and collaboration between government and industry to make the new, more flexible acquisition environment work. With agencies rewriting supplements and major policy shifts ahead, Koses calls the next year “wild”—and says participation is essential.

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The New Year brings critical retirement decisions for federal employees, and Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose breaks down what matters most. 

Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, explains why the TSP has two New Year milestones—and how year-end deadlines affect withdrawals, taxes, and required minimum distributions. As 2026 approaches, Kaplan urges participants to review account details, update beneficiaries, and consider increasing contributions as pay raises and step increases take effect. 

The conversation also previews the long-awaited Roth in-plan conversion launching January 28, including new tools to help participants decide if converting makes sense for their tax and estate plans. Plus, an update on TSP’s approach to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence risk management heading into the new year.

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The Fed Gov Today TV Show airs on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. E.T. on ABC 7. You can also watch on Demand on Youtube. Listen to Fed Gov Today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anytime at FedGovToday.com.

OPM is moving to consolidate the federal government’s many disconnected HR IT systems into a single, mandatory shared service, and former Chief Human Capital Officers Ron Sanders and Tracy DiMartini explain why the effort has failed for decades—and what could make it work now. They point to politics, agency “we’re different” resistance, and weak requirements as the usual dealbreakers, but note this attempt has a better shot if OPM sets firm standards, agencies get a real voice in implementation, and funding is sustained beyond a single year. Sanders argues the proven path is paying up front and rolling out over years, while DiMartini stresses designing a core system that covers Title 5 while accounting for mission-unique needs like DoD, VA, and law enforcement.

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On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, former Under Secretary of Defense Bill Greenwalt dissects the Pentagon’s latest acquisition reform push. He explains how Secretary Hegseth’s bold vision for faster, more agile procurement fixed timelines, rapid prototyping, flexible funding, and broader use of OTAs was watered down in the final memo by risk-averse bureaucracy. 

Greenwalt warns that without empowered program managers, modular open systems, and real portfolio authority, the department can’t deliver new capabilities at the speed commanders need. Francis also previews upcoming Fed Gov Today TV with OPM Director Scott Cooper and shares the podcast’s holiday schedule

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In his first long-form interview as CNO, Adm. Daryl Caudle says Navy success hinges less on a headline ship count and more on readiness, capability, and sustainability. He prioritizes protecting sea lanes, integrating with allies, and the right mix of crewed and unmanned systems. “Sailors First” means ending afloat living, improving quality-of-life basics, and strengthening maintenance and the industrial base.

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Former DHS and IRS CIO Richard Spires joins Francis Rose to break down what “build back” really means for agencies after months of disruption. He praises efforts to cut bureaucracy, reduce stovepipes, and modernize acquisition, pointing to OPM’s ambitious push to consolidate 119 HR systems into one as the kind of big swing government needs.

But he argues the biggest problem isn’t tech—it’s people. Spires says workforce treatment has damaged morale and trust, especially among technologists, and rebuilding starts with a fundamental shift in how leaders view and support employees. He recalls DHS’s HR consolidation work: requirements and procurement moved, but leadership turnover created a vacuum and internal fear about job loss helped collapse the effort.

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